Hand-held, freestanding, double-sided electronic keyboard

ABSTRACT

A fully hand-held, two sided electronic keyboard, with alphanumeric, function and modifier keys on the front and back. These are operated by the thumbs and fingers, while the device is held between the palms. The keys are arranged to allow standard touch-typing techniques while the device is held, supported only by the user&#39;s hands. The keyboard body is adjustable, allowing for different hand sizes. Modifier keys, such as but not limited to, option, control, shift and command, as used in modern computer based systems, are grouped, shaped and placed on the front of the device where they can operated singly or in any combination by one thumb. The software driver controlling the keyboard, includes algorithms to lock the keyboard and any devices present for a graphical user interface. Pressing the home row of keys, unlocks the system, and orients the user on the keyboard.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field

[0005] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for the entry of alphanumeric data in a computer or other data processing or communications system, and specifically addresses methods and apparatus for employing standard touch-typing techniques on portable and fully hand-held devices.

[0006] 2. State of the Art

[0007] Current computer keyboards are based on the original typewriter configuration as embodied in old style teletype machines. Various types of switches and electronic circuits are employed to encode alphanumeric and special character keys, along with modifier keys such as the shift, alt/option and control keys, as well as independent function keys. Modern keyboards also include navigation keys: arrow and page keys for cursor control and scrolling.

[0008] The size and placement of the keys on modern keyboards has become standardized in the QWERTY and DVORAK layouts with a minimum center to center spacing of approximately 18 mm horizontally and eighteen to twenty-one mm vertically, as specified in ANSI standard HFS 100-1988. This is considered essential for touch typing which is a fast and efficient means of using an alphanumeric keyboard. By convention, the A,S,D and F keys are the “home position” for the left hand while the J,K,L,and semicolon keys, are the “home position” for the right, when using the QWERTY layout. The location of the other keys can be learned by touch, once the user has a fixed reference point.

[0009] Virtually all standard keyboards are built with a flat arrangement of the keys, in a frame that requires a supporting surface or structure to be used. A desk, table or specialized computer furniture is required for a desktop computer or terminal. Devices that are intended to be portable, cannot be used without setting them down (on the users knees in the case of a portable or laptop computer), or holding them in one hand and attempting to type with the other hand, usually using only one finger, or thumb.

[0010] Small freestanding devices have been developed, such as personal digital assistants, that have substandard sized keys in an arbitrary arrangement that further precludes standard touch-typing. Some new data processing applications are making use of the standard telephone keypad to enter text. This system employs only the thumbs, and is extremely inefficient. Some devices have handwriting recognition systems that allow for a very small unit, but are much slower than typing on standard keys.

[0011] The standard touch-typing system is fast and efficient, however, using a standard flat keyboard places the user in a fixed posture that may contribute to the chronic injury known as repetitive stress disorder. Some advances in keyboard design have added rotating or swiveling sections to the standard flat layout. These developments do not lend themselves to portable or fully hand-held devices, and they do not automatically provide a fully inline posture for the user's forearms, wrists and fingers. Since the user will be placing the adapted keyboard on a desk or table, the height of the keyboard may not be correct.

[0012] Modern operating systems, computer programs and other communications and data-processing applications require several keys other than the standard alphanumeric, punctuation and special character keys. These keys include programmable function keys, cursor and page control keys, as well as special modifier keys. These typically include, Control, Alt and Option keys as well as special Command, Window and Menu control keys, as used by the Macintosh and Windows operating systems owned by Apple Corp and Microsoft respectively.

[0013] It is typical for these special modifier keys to be pressed in various combinations along with a letter or number key, in order to issue commands to the operating system or application. These commands are often shortcuts to program functions otherwise performed by menu selection.

[0014] On a flat keyboard, these keys are adjacent to the shift keys in a fairly arbitrary position where they are not easily reached by any touch typing fingering. Using these keys involves lifting one or both hands away from the home position, in order to press the desired “chord” of modifier and alpha or numeric keys.

[0015] The same is true of the function and cursor keys. These keys are generally far beyond the reach of the fingers from the home position. Lifting the hands from the home position breaks the concentration and focus of the typist, requiring a glance at the keyboard to reorient the fingers.

[0016] The current standards for keyboards make little use of the thumbs. The only key specifically assigned to the thumbs is the space bar, and only one thumb is needed to operate it.

[0017] With the introduction of graphical user interfaces for computer operating systems, keyboards are now used in conjunction with a pointer device. The most typical such device is the computer mouse. Other controllers have been introduced, including track-balls, joysticks, and thumb-pads. These have all been adapted and incorporated into portable keyboards.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The object of this invention is to provide alphanumeric input to a computerized system, such that the user may employ standard touch-typing techniques, while holding the device between the hands, with no other support necessary. In addition, use of the device will allow the user to type while keeping the forearms, wrists and fingers in a straight line. This position may help the user avoid injuries that have been associated with prolonged keyboard use. The invention also allows the user to type function keys and multiple key sequences, without moving the fingers away from the home position.

[0019] The body of the device is of a shape and size that may be held and supported between the palms of the hands, leaving the fingers and thumbs free. The alphanumeric, function and modifier keys found on a standard flat QWERTY keyboard are placed on the front and back of the device, with the keys normally controlled by the fingers arranged on the back.

[0020] Other keys required by modern computer applications, such as function keys, navigation keys, command/control keys and numeric keypads are located on the front of the unit. These are operated by the thumbs of both hands. In addition, the space-bar is placed on the front, duplicated on both sides, where it can be operated by either thumb. Some keys normally operated by the fingers are duplicated on the front, to be operated by the thumbs, in order to add flexibility.

[0021] The modifier keys typically associated with a modern operating system, are shaped and grouped together so that any one or several or all keys may be pressed in combination. This arrangement allows the user to operate any of the keys on the keyboard without moving the fingers away from the home position.

[0022] The sides of the unit are adjustable in and out, to allow users with larger or smaller hands to reach the keys comfortably. Once the home row of keys is located, the user can proceed to type with the fingering learned in standard touch typing.

[0023] In order to assist the user in locating the eight home row keys, these are ridged slightly, and given a small nub, so they can be identified by touch. Software algorithms implemented in the device controller also assist the user in locating the home row.

[0024] The key switches are encoded in standard ASCII characters for input to a processor, using look-up tables and user preference files in the host computer. This would allow for alternate keyboard mapping and for any keyboard fingering standards used in other countries.

[0025] The software driver for this device includes specific algorithms to facilitate use of the keyboard. When the unit is initially powered-up, or if a switch designated as the lock-key is pressed, the device remains powered on but ignores any keystrokes that might occur during handling or if the unit were set down. There are also switches in the portion of the unit that comes in contact with the palms. Releasing either of these will also lock the keyboard. The controlling algorithm would unlock the keyboard for use, when all eight of the home row keys are depressed together. This will also insure that the fingers are correctly placed.

[0026] It is anticipated that this invention will lend itself to being suitably incorporated into existing computer hardware and software systems, that make use of an alphanumeric keyboard.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1—The front of the invention shown in an off-axis perspective, wire frame rendering.

[0028]FIG. 2—The front of the invention shown in a flat perspective, wire frame rendering.

[0029]FIG. 3—A partially exploded detail view of the front of the invention, wire frame rendering.

[0030]FIG. 4—The back of the invention shown in a flat perspective, wire frame rendering.

[0031]FIG. 5—The back of the invention showing an alternate embodiment. Off-axis perspective, wire frame rendering.

[0032]FIG. 6—Diagram of software algorithm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The invention is intended to be used as an alphanumeric keyboard within a computer or other electronic data or communication system. The chief advantage to this invention, is the ability to operate the keys using standard touch-typing techniques, while holding the keyboard entirely between the hands, without any other support.

[0034] The device is held by pressing the palms of the hands against the handles 18 and 15, at points 21 and 10, (FIGS. 1 & 2) thus leaving the thumbs and fingers free to operate the keys on the front and back, respectively.

[0035] In order to accommodate different hand sizes, the device is adjustable. The handles 18 and 15 would be tubular, such that the body, 17 can slide into and out of the hollow, slotted area where they meet. A telescoping section 16, fits within the tubular sections connecting the handles and allows them to slide in and out, while also serving as a carrying handle.

[0036] Set-screws at 19 and 12, (FIGS. 1 & 2) protruding through the handles 18 and 15 would be embedded in the body, 17. The head of each set-screw 19 and 12, protrudes above the handle and is large enough to turn with the thumb and fingers. Each set-screw is fixed to the handle by a lock-washer. Turning the set-screws will push or pull the handles in or out, allowing for several inches adjustment between the handles and keys.

[0037] The keys on the front of the unit (FIGS. 1 & 2), are operated by the thumbs. The space-bar is the most frequently used key assigned to the thumb, therefore, two space-bars 3 and 8 are provided for left and right handed users, and are placed directly under the point where the thumbs would most naturally fall when holding the device.

[0038] Other frequently used keys such as Return, Tab, Shift, Delete and Backspace are positioned in an arc at 1 and 9 (FIGS. 1 & 2), where they can be reached by rotating the thumbs within a comfortable 90° angle. These keys are duplicated on the back for added flexibility. The user can operate these keys with the fingers, employing standard touch-type fingering or develop the use of the thumbs by operating the keys on the front. Any other keys that may be application specific in a given installation, would be included here as well.

[0039] Modern computer operating systems make use of function keys. In this invention, the fifteen standard function keys, 13 (FIGS. 1 & 2), are arranged in two groups for the left and right thumbs. Although these keys are not usually included in the touch-typing system, there is an advantage to the layout set forth in this invention, in that the user can press the function keys without removing his or her fingers from the home key position.

[0040] A separate numeric keypad is often included on a flat keyboard. In this invention, a numeric keypad 6, is placed where it may be be operated by either or both of the thumbs. This keypad includes the numbers zero to nine as well as the special characters found in the top row of the QWERTY keyboard layout. Because these special characters are used less often, many users may not have memorized their location, therefore these characters are duplicated on both sides of the device for added flexibility. The special characters are typed by using the shift key.

[0041] Above the numeric keypad 6, are page and arrow keys for cursor control and scrolling. There is also a caps lock, included for compatibility with standard keyboard use. In this location there is also a lock key. Pressing this key will reset the keyboard, placing it in lock mode. In this mode, the keys would continue to be scanned, but all key data would be ignored by the operating system. In addition, any pointing devices that are present for use with a graphical user interface would also be locked. The device would be unlocked by pressing together, all of the keys designated as the home row. These would be A,S,D,F and J,K,L, and ; (semicolon), which cooresponds to the order of the keys used in the QWERTY layout. This is also useful in helping the user to quickly relocate the home row keys.

[0042] Small switches are embedded in the handles at 21 and 10 (FIGS. 1 & 2, 4& 5). These would be normally closed contact switches. When holding the device for use, the switches would be pressed, leaving the contacts open. These switches would be equivalent to the lock key. Releasing the handles would close the contacts, putting the keyboard into lock mode. This would allow the user to handle the device or set the device down while it is powered on, without having extraneous keystrokes entered.

[0043] In addition to simple alphanumeric data, modern computer operating systems make use of additional modifier keys, such as, control, command, alt/option, etc. Use of these special keys involves pressing and holding one or several of them and tapping a letter or number key. On a flat keyboard, the special modifier keys are placed adjacent to the alpha keys, where they cannot typically be employed using standard touch typing techniques. In this invention, these keys 2, are shaped and clustered such that any one or several can be pressed either individually with the tip or side of the thumb, or any combination can be pressed simultaneously with the flat part of the thumb.

[0044] A partly exploded detail view in FIG. 3, shows 40, the alt/option key and a duplicate shift key 41 in a split key configuration that surrounds the command and control keys,43 &42, and is designed so that either one can be pressed with the tip of the thumb or both can be operated together by pressing the area at either end where they meet. In addition, the control key, 42 or the command key 43 can be pressed with the tip of the thumb, or any combination of alt/option, shift, command or control can be accomplished by pressing the area where the desired keys meet. All four keys can be pressed together if needed, by using the flat part of the thumb.

[0045] In the event that this invention is installed or incorporated within an operating system that uses a graphical user interface, a pointing device would be required. This could be a mouse type controller, track ball, touch pad, or mini joystick. In this embodiment, a track ball 7 (FIGS. 1 & 2), is placed below the right space-bar, to be operated by the right thumb. Any associated buttons 4, would be located under the left space-bar to be operated by the left thumb. Scroll wheels 5, for vertical and horizontal scrolling would be located here as well. In addition, this embodiment has a duplicate controller for the graphical user interface installed on the back, 32 (FIGS. 4 & 5), so that the user has the option of operating it with the finger tips.

[0046] The use of this invention within a fully configured portable system as would be found in a Windows/Intel or Apple Macintosh laptop type computer, would require a display which would be installed at 14 (FIGS. 1 & 2).

[0047] The principle alphanumeric keys, 30 and 31 are located on the back of the invention (FIG. 4). The keys normally typed with the left hand are grouped in rows parallel to the right side of the device (as seen from the back) and the keys normally typed with the right hand are grouped in rows parallel to the left side of the device. The order of the keys reflects the standard QWERTY layout that is useful for touch typing. The alternative Dvorak layout, or other international keyboard standards may be implemented here, or may be made selectable in the software controlling the keys. The caps lock key is not included in order to eliminate the possibility that the user might press it in error.

[0048] The size and placement of the keys would be approximately 18 mm center to center between keys within each row, and 21 mm between the rows, as specified in ANSI standard HFS 100-1988. It is not necessary for the rows of keys to be offset as is the case on a standard size flat keyboard. When using this device, the user's fingers, hands, wrists and forearms will be held in straight line, and will be perpendicular to the rows of keys on each side. This position puts less strain on the user's hands, and may be helpful in avoiding the repetitive stress injuries associated with keyboard use.

[0049] The standard practice for touch typing involves orienting the fingers on a fixed set of keys called the home row. These correspond to F,D,S,A, for the left hand, and J,K,L, and ; for the left hand, in the QWERTY layout. Since the user cannot see the back of the invention, the home row of keys needs to be ridged and dimpled slightly so they can be distinguished by the way they feel. In addition, a pair of markings 11 & 20 is placed on the handles just above the position of the index fingers. A means of establishing contact with the home row of keys is also implemented in software.

[0050] Once the user has grasped the device, and located the home row keys, typing would proceed with the same finger movements associated with touch-typing, as learned on a flat keyboard. The thumbs would be used to operate the space-bar, 3 or 4 (FIGS. 1 & 2), striking downward with essentially the same movement used on a flat keyboard.

[0051] An alternate embodiment of this invention (FIG. 5), would eliminate the rows of keys that are duplicated on the front of the invention, 6 (FIGS. 1 & 2). In this case, the sets of keys 60 & 61 would only include the characters found in the first three rows of a flat QWERTY keyboard. This embodiment could be offered as a less expensive model to users who would find the placement of the special characters on the front of the device to be suitable to their needs.

[0052] The operative component of the invention is comprised of a generic scanning matrix encoder. The only requirement is that the matrix allow for at least ten keys/switches to be scanned together. Connecting each switch to the matrix through a resistor/diode combination would allow any number of keys to be pressed at one time. An 8×16 matrix would provide 128 keys, enough for all the standard required keys, plus the switches in the handles, as well as the duplicated keys. The addition of small capacitor to the circuit at each switch would prevent any electrical noise generated by the switch contacts from being interpreted as multiple keystrokes.

[0053] A simple binary clock circuit would count repeatedly from zero to 128, at a sufficient rate to allow for a complete scan of the keyboard within at least one thirtieth of a second. This clock would step through each row and column of the matrix. Each key pressed on the keyboard would be detected by the current change through the resistor/diode combination. In this way, as the clock steps through the matrix, each key pressed is identified by the number it occupies in the matrix. No switch would be connected to the point corresponding to key zero. This would be reserved to identify when a scan has started.

[0054] It is anticipated that when this keyboard invention is constructed, it will be incorporated into an integrated system, based on the hardware and software protocols of an established commercial product such as the Windows/Intel or Apple Macintosh computer systems, or the PalmPilot PDA system. Thus, the keyboard would be electronically connected as an input device, according to the hardware/software requirements of the host system. Output from the binary clock and the signal from the key switches would be interpreted by the operating system using lookup tables and user preference files to to establish the correct alphanumeric or control sequence data.

[0055] As part of the controlling software known as the device driver, specific algorithms would be required by this invention, relating to the keyboard lock function. This algorithm would be coded in the computer language appropriate to the system where the device is installed. This code could reside in firmware as part of the keyboard circuitry or would be a software module, to be loaded and used as needed by the host operating system.

[0056] The algorithm is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0057] Power-Up Sequence/Reset, 70. During initial power-up, the keyboard driver sends a code to the operating system to ignore all input and pointer devices (such as mouse controllers). A code is sent to the scanning circuitry to reset the scan to zero (the starting point). No key data is sent to the operating system.

[0058] Scan Keyboard/Store Input, 71, This module runs in a loop, receiving the sequential numeric data from the keyboard, until key zero is reached. When a key down is detected during this scan, the number corresponding to the key is stored in an array or stack and a pointer to the stack is incremented. When key number zero is reached, a full scan has been completed, and the program advances to the next step.

[0059] Keys Detected, 72. If the key number stack is empty (stack pointer is zero), then the program transfers back to 71, and looping continues indefinitely. If the key number stack is not empty, the program branches to the next module.

[0060] Check for unlock keys 73, This module runs in a loop. With each iteration, the key number stack is popped by decrementing the stack pointer. Then each entry in the stack is compared to a list of ten unlock numbers. For each match found, a variable is incremented. When the key stack pointer is decremented to zero, the variable corresponding to the number of unlock keys is checked, 74. If the variable does not equal ten, then it is reset to zero and the program branches back to 71, the keyboard scanning module.

[0061] If the variable is equal to ten, then it is reset to zero for the next cycle, and the program advances to the next module, 75. At this point a code is sent to the operating system, indicating that the keyboard is now unlocked. All input and pointer devices (such as mouse controllers) should be activated, as appropriate for their respective drivers. The program advances to the next module to begin “live” scans of the keys.

[0062] This module 76, runs a loop, receiving data from the keyboard, until key number zero is reached indicating the start of a scan. Each time a key down is detected, the number is copied to the key number stack and a pointer to the stack is incremented. When key zero is reached again, if the stack pointer is still zero 77, the program continues looping from the beginning of this module 76.

[0063] If a keyboard scan is completed and the key stack pointer is not zero, the program advances to the next module.

[0064] Decode key-data. In this module 78, the data in the key stack is examined by decrementing the pointer, and matching the key numbers against a look-up table containing corresponding alphanumeric values as expressed in standard ASCII values, as well as codes representing the modifier keys. These look-up tables would be stored as system and user preference files, which could contain different mapping for alternate or international keyboard layouts. This decoded data would be stored in a buffer.

[0065] During each scan of the keys, an additional step 79, checks whether the keyboard lock switch has been pressed or either of the handles has been released, if so, the program transfers to the beginning power-up/Lock module, 70.

[0066] If keyboard lock has not been detected, the decoded data in the buffer are sent to the operating system and current applications, to be interpreted as appropriate to their respective functions. The controller then loops back 76 to scan the keyboard again.

[0067] The physical structure of the device should be strong and as light as possible since this is a hand-held device. It should be constructed from strong, lightweight, molded plastics or composite materials. It would be advisable to place as many of the internal components, such as the battery or power supply and as much of the electronic circuitry as possible, toward the bottom of the device so that the unit will be well balanced when held in the users hands and will not be top heavy.

[0068] Whereas this invention is here illustrated and described with reference to embodiments that are presently contemplated as the best mode of carrying out such invention in actual practice, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in adapting the invention to different embodiments without departing from the broader inventive concepts disclosed therein and comprehended by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is; 1- An electronic data-entry apparatus, comprising; a body of a size and shape that is conducive to being held between the hands, supported by the palms, while leaving the fingers and thumbs free, and having a plurality of keys, including but not limited to, alphanumeric, special character, and modifier keys, operatively connected to the back of said body such that the keys may be operated by the fingers of both hands, while the unit is held in the hands, and; a plurality of keys, including but not limited to, alphanumeric, special character, function and modifier keys, operatively connected to the front of said body such that the keys may be operated by the thumbs of both hands, simultaneously with the operation of the fingers on the keys mounted on the back, while the unit is held in the users hands. 2- An electronic data entry apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein, the modifier keys are grouped, shaped, and positioned such that any one, or combination of several, or all modifier keys may be pressed by one thumb. 3- An electronic data entry apparatus, according to claim 1, which shall have the means by which said apparatus may be adjusted in size or shape, to accommodate a range of user hand sizes, through the use of sliding, telescoping, or swiveling parts. 4- An electronic data entry apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein; said apparatus is controlled by computer software, that scans, detects, encodes, and transmits data from the keys to an operating system or application in a computer or other data processing or communications device, with said software including algorithms to perform the process, whereby; the key-data is examined before it is relayed to the operating system, specifically to detect whether switches in the handles have been released, or whether a switch designated lock/reset on the front of the apparatus has been pressed, with the effect that, at such time no further data will be transmitted, effectively locking the keyboard, until the keys designated as the home row have been pressed together simultaneously, and released while the device is held in the hands, thereby resetting and unlocking the keyboard, and said software shall include the instruction to place the keyboard in its locked state during power-up, and said software shall include an interface for any devices that may be included in the computer system that function as the pointers in a graphical user interfaces, to block data from these devices, during the time that the keyboard is locked. 